Application of HIV I and II combo Test Kits by the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP)

The WHO, Global Fund and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) all have global HIV strategies that are positioned with SDG target 3.3 of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030 one of which is the 95-95-95 (WHO).

To achieve this, 95 % of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) should have a diagnosis, 95% of those should be taking lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 95% of People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) on treatment should achieve a suppressed viral load for the benefit of the person’s health and for minimizing further HIV transmission.

To enable Nigeria to achieve the first 95% optimally, there should be the existence of the ability to diagnose HIV I and II with limited constraints. However, in many centres across the country, there is limited ability to test for both infections concurrently and accurately.

Codix Pharma Limited, with support from its technical partner, PELTOM Global Services Limited, has supported the validation and inclusion of this product in the national HIV Testing algorithm to enable the deployment of SD Biosensor’s HIV I and II Test Kits in Nigeria. We have also worked with the Federal Ministry of Health through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCP) to ensure the adoption of these text kits in all states of Nigeria.

It is therefore based on this premise that SD Biosensor, CODIX Pharma Limited and PELTOM Global Services Limited supported NASCP conducted training of trainers and state-level service providers on the commercially available HIV I and II rapid test kit (SD Biosensor’s Standard Q RTK).

The training of trainers supported the national capacity-building opportunity of different stakeholders at Local, State and Federal Government levels (with coverage of the primary, secondary, tertiary, and private health facilities) to make bold decisions on the procurement of Standard Q test kits since their facility staff are already onboard hence easing access to testing opportunities.

The objectives of the project:

• To build the capacity of key healthcare managers and providers involved in HIV/AIDS programming at the National and Regional levels to ensure the appropriate use of the product.
• To enhance the rate of detection of and the ability of the healthcare system to diagnose HIV I and II efficiently.
• To increase the number of facilities nationwide that can utilize the testing kit for rapid detection and treatment of HIV I and II.

Interventions:

Working closely with Codix Pharma Limited and SD Biosensor, South Korea, PGS designed and delivered regional training workshops across the country. The training workshops were attended by key HIV program managers and service providers across the country.

Related activities: Advocacy, Training, Training curriculum development